The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH following the confirmed sighting of the new crescent in several parts of Nigeria.
The declaration marks the beginning of Rabi’ul Awwal, a month of significant religious importance to Muslims, particularly because of its association with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, on behalf of the Sultanate.
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, received credible reports confirming the sighting of the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH on Thursday, August 13.
The sighting occurred on Thursday, which was the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH, signalling the conclusion of Safar and the beginning of the new Islamic month.
The statement explained that the reports came from authorised moon-sighting committees across the country and were subjected to the required religious verification before being presented to the Sultan.
Following a review and acceptance of the reports, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar approved Friday, August 14, as the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
The declaration is expected to guide Muslims across Nigeria in determining dates for religious observances and other activities associated with the new Islamic month.
Rabi’ul Awwal occupies an important position in the Islamic calendar because of its historical and spiritual significance to Muslims around the world. The month is widely associated with major events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including his birth and passing.
As the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community and the recognised authority on matters concerning the Islamic lunar calendar, the Sultan routinely relies on verified moon-sighting reports before declaring the beginning of each Islamic month.
The latest announcement further highlights the importance of the traditional and religious process of moon sighting in determining dates in the Islamic calendar.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims across the country to take note of the declaration and conduct their religious activities in line with the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
The declaration also provides a religious framework for Islamic scholars, institutions, communities and individuals to plan activities connected with the new month.
With the announcement, Friday, August 14, 2026, officially becomes 1 Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH in Nigeria, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent and the Sultan’s acceptance of the reports.